In 2010, Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano passed legislation, called the Common Sense Law, to repeal the county guarantee, shifting the cost of property-tax refunds to school districts, towns and special districts, which Mangano said would save the county $80 million annually.

Governor Cuomo’s 2 percent property-tax cap has forced districts like Bellmore-Merrick to cut hundreds of thousands, even millions of dollars, in recent years, which has led to reductions in staff and services.

Kiernan said school officials worry that the county plans to appeal the Appellate Court’s decision, but for now, they are breathing easier. “We’re pleased…” Kiernan said. “It was certainly a victory for school districts at this stage.”